I narrow my eyes, because I’d expected more of an inquisition if I’m honest. “That’s it?”
“Yeah.” It’s Paul’s turn to shrug. “You said you’re just having fun. If it starts to get serious, I’m sure you’ll tell me.”
I hum in response, deliberately not thinking about the notes in my wallet. Itisjust a bit of fun.
Our food arrives and both of us tuck in. An easy silence settles between us, broken only when Paul sits back with a contented sigh. “Mel was right. The food’s great here.”
“She’s not steered me wrong yet.”
Paul frowns. “You’ve been in the office a lot since you joined. I thought it was one or two days a week at most?”
“Yeah, it is. I’m doing a few more to start with while I get to know everyone. After today, apart from our Christmas party, I don’t need to come back in until the new year.” Which is great because, while it’s not a long drive, distance wise, the roads aren’t the best.
Paul’s face goes through a range of emotions until he settles on curious. “So it’ll just be you and Jerry from now until Christmas?”
“I guess. Why?”
“Just wondered.”
I narrow my eyes and fold my arms across my chest, waiting him out.
“I bet it’s all cosy with the Christmas decorations and everything.”
“It is.” Just last night I snuggled on the living room sofa with only the tree lights on watching TV. I had Frank on my lap, the other two sprawled out on the rug. The only thing that could’ve made it any better was if Jerry had been there.
And I guess that’s his point, but I’m not about to admit that.
“I’m not about to jump into a relationship, Paul. I’ve only just got over the last one. I like Jerry. We have fun, but it’s nothing serious.” Only half of that sentence rings true, but I can’t think about that now.
Paul holds his hands up. “Fine, I can take a hint. I’ll shut up about you and the lovely vet.”
“Thank you.”
“So, you coming back to see your parents at Christmas?”
“Yeah. Planning on driving over on either Christmas Day or Boxing Day, not sure yet.”
“Gonna come over and see me too?”
I roll my eyes. “Like my mum hasn’t already invited you over for Christmas dinner.” As soon as she discovered Paul’s parents were no longer with us, she made a point of inviting him over forall the holidays. I doubt this year will be any different. “In fact, I bet she’s invited both of you, right?”
He laughs. “She has.” His eyes twinkle with amusement. “What about Jerry? What are his plans for Christmas?”
“Er...” It only occurs to me then that I have absolutely no idea. “Not sure.” I remember him saying his parents don’t live far from him, so I assume he’ll see them at some point. For some reason, it bothers me that I don’t know.
Paul and I head back to the office together but part ways in reception after he makes me promise to let him know my plans for Christmas.
The afternoon drags, and I spend most of my time daydreaming and wondering if Jerry’ll be there when I get home later.
It’sdark when I leave work. The drive back to Charnwell isn’t the nicest when I’m still not sure where I’m going, but when I turn onto Jerry’s street, all that’s forgotten because the houses on either side are lit up in all their festive glory.
All very tasteful and understated but it’s worth slowing down for, and I take the last few hundred metres home at a crawl. It’s like I saved the best for last though, because there’s something about Jerry’s house that’s extra special.
Maybe it’s the beautiful Christmas tree in his garden, strung with coloured lights that fade in and out in a gentle wave. Maybe it’s the way the path is lit up, inviting you to take a walk up to the front door. Or maybe it’s because I know Jerry’s inside, because his car’s parked on the driveway.
It’ll be the first night we’ve both been home together since we decided we’re doing... well, whatever it is we’re doing. I’m stillnot clear on what to call it, I just know that I want to keep doing it.
And maybe now we’re both in the same space, we can.
